| Suzanne Mazer Stewart writes from her country home in Marion County
about life's
simple pleasures or frustrations.
By Suzanne Mazer Stewart
At this time of year, families get together, fine meals are prepared, and everyone is supposed to remember to count their
blessings.
Gather in the good, I once heard a preacher call it. Well, I suppose I've got just as much, or more so, to be thankful for as
anybody
else. While you think a moment on the good you can gather up, let me tell you about mine.
First of all, I suppose I should start with my family. Yes, the baby still doesn't let me get enough sleep, and the three year old
can't
go a day without at least a half dozen temper tantrums. The oldest son delights in tormenting his sisters, and the oldest daughter,
well, let's just say she'll make a fine drill sergeant some day the way she orders the others around. My house hasn't been
completely clean in I can't remember how long. There's a mountain of laundry in my bathroom that could serve as training
ground for
the guys who try to climb Everest. My husband is either working too much, and I never get to see him, or he's around
underfoot
getting in my way and on my nerves. Yet, they are mine, and my life would not be the same without them. They are the source
of
some of my greatest joys, and my proudest moments.
Next, I'd like to say a little thank you for having the good grace to live in such a wonderful place. When others worry about
crime and
pollution, we go to bed with the doors unlocked and the kids can play in the creek until the water gets too cold. While some
folks
don't even know their neighbors' names, you could trust to leave your house key with the folks we know, for "just in case."
There is
the beauty of Nature all around. Why, stepping out the front door can be like stepping into a great cathedral, so great is the
presence of the Almighty. Who cares if it takes a half an hour to get to the grocery store, or an hour to the mall? I've got good
neighbors, good friends and good scenery!
Lastly, and I think this year more than ever, we need to be reminded of what a great and glorious country we call Home. No
where
else on Earth can you enjoy the freedoms we Americans do. Those freedoms allow others to commit unspeakable acts against
us,
but those very same freedoms also allow us to live relatively free from fear and safe in the knowledge that our way of life will
prevail.
So, as I look at the pink and purple "punk" Pilgrims my kids have constructed, ("we wanted them to be different") and I
prepare to
play "Pin the Tail on the Turkey" one more time, or watch the parades and football games as I ready our dinner, I think I'll get
down
that big basket from the shelf. I think I'll put it smack in the middle of the table this year. I need something that big to gather up
all
my good!
May the Lord bless you with love and grace,
May He look upon you with smiling face.
May you enjoy peace, love and laughter,
On Thanksgiving Day, and each day thereafter.
You may contact Suzanne by e-mail MSZFROGGIE@aol.com
|
